World EV Day offers a moment to reflect not only on the progress made towards zero-emission transport, but also on the barriers that remain. Walters of Ayvens UK, who works closely with fleets across the country, warns that the UK’s transition risks stalling unless the Government steps up with urgent action.
World EV Day is the perfect moment to reflect not only on the progress we’ve made towards zero-emission transport, but also on the barriers that remain. From where I sit, supporting fleets across the country, the message is clear: the UK’s transition risks stalling unless the Government steps up with urgent action.
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If I could ask for three things from policymakers, they would be simple: greater clarity, more investment in infrastructure, and increased affordability for businesses.
Fleets at the heart of the transition
Business fleets are the backbone of the UK economy. From company cars to delivery vans, they keep employees moving, goods flowing, and services running. Their decisions carry outsized weight: fleets account for more than half of all new vehicle registrations. If fleets embrace zero-emission transport, the UK’s chances of hitting its net zero targets increase dramatically. But without the right framework, momentum could quickly falter.
1. A clear and stable roadmap for decarbonisation
Fleets make vehicle choices on 3–5-year cycles. Constant changes to tax bands, EV incentives, and clean air policies undermine confidence and deter investment. Businesses need a transparent, long-term framework that they can plan against. Reform of Benefit-in-Kind tax to encourage used EV uptake would be one crucial step. Above all, stability is essential: companies should not have to fear sudden policy U-turns that render their investment decisions unviable.
2. Investment in a national charging network
For many businesses, the biggest barrier isn’t willingness but charging availability. A reliable, fairly priced, and scalable public network is essential, alongside stronger support for depot and home charging. Without this, vans and company cars risk sitting idle, productivity drops, and costs rise. The operational backbone of UK business cannot be left dependent on patchy or overpriced infrastructure.
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By GlobalData3. Support for affordability and total cost of operation
Even when EVs are cheaper to run, higher upfront costs still deter many businesses. Targeted incentives, smart tax reform, and policies that address residual values and charging costs would make EVs a viable option for organisations of all sizes—not just large corporates with deep pockets.
A call to action
The UK has the potential to lead the world in the transition to zero-emission transport. But without swift and decisive government action, we risk slowing down at the very moment we need to accelerate. Fleets are ready to drive the change. Now we need the Government to provide the certainty, infrastructure, and support to keep the journey on track.
